The art of surrealism often tells a story from an artists’ unconscious point of view that allows the unconscious to express itself. This kind of art strives to resolve the previously contradictory conditions of dream and reality. It often includes illogical or incongruous scenes from everyday objects rendered with photographic precision. Surrealist works feature the element of surprise, unexpected juxtapositions and non sequitur. Artists often use their own dreams as a source of inspiration to tell their stories in their surrealist art work.

Two acclaimed surrealist artists will be featured in the next art exhibit at the Gallery at 48 Natoma in Folsom. “It’s Story Time,” will present paintings and prints by Susan Silvester and digital images by Vincent DiLeo May 19 through July 6, 2017.

Susan J. Silvester is an interdisciplinary artist who is originally from the New York City area, before presently making her home in Sacramento. Her prior work experiences of working on TV shows and sculpting prototype toys has influenced her current artwork. During her freelance days, her projects included working on many TV commercials such as The Pillsbury dough boy, Twizzlers candy, and Teddy Graham cookies. Her illustrious background includes working on Pee Wee’s Playhouse, Santa and the Snowmen (a computed animated TV and IMAX movie), and the retired Back to the Future ride at Universal Studio. In addition, she worked as a sculptor creating prototype toys, sold as Happy Meals for Wendy’s and Burger King and for Texas Instrument’s educational division licensed to create Disney and Warner Brother characters based toys. While living in New York City, Susan also has experience as an artist fabricator and created artwork for Robert Rauschenberg, among others. This experience helped hone her skills in a variety of materials and in creating technically sound artwork. Not surprisingly, her personal artwork also includes many childhood themes such as storytime-like forests complete with imaginary figures, often including children, bunnies and birds.

Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm, with additional hours Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 6-8pm.